Purpose

Increasing the usability of SUMO as a whole. Specifically, we will have a mental map of users with the taxonomy research. We will redesign the site around that model, and implement the changes. In addition and in parallel to this we will introduce a new search engine with measurably improved performance with regards to click through rates.

Project plan

New Search implemenation

Taxonomy Research by Nielson Group, due February 9

Final recommended IA structure and a brief write-up of any further recommendations etc. - due March 30

card sort of articles into susan's categories and analysis

test new hierarchy in treejack

Deliverables: Final recommended IA structure (spreadsheets) and a brief write-up of any further rationale, recommendations, and findings.

Paper prototyping of new iA due May 29

Create paper prototypes (represent key page alternatives and paths to the top task goals for 5-10 top tasks).

Test paper prototypes and/or wireframes developed by Mozilla with a small number of users (6-8) in think-aloud qualitative usability sessions. Testing should be done at several stages of the design process (paper, clickable wireframes, visual design draft)

Goals: Discover what's confusing about terms that the previous testing could not resolve, check the performance of alternative terms and layouts against top user tasks, rapidly iterate the designs to improve their usability, and figure out what kind and how many screens, messages, and feedback mechanisms will be needed to accomplish interactive tasks efficiently.